CHILD'S DESCRIPTION OF HANOVER IN YEAR 1782

A letter commenting whimsically on the physical and cultural aspects of Hanover in the Year of Grace 1802 by Caleb Bingham, A.M. Dartmouth 1782, has recently been turned over to the editor of THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE. It purports to be a missive from a young lady of 15 summers, written to her little friend, aged eight.

The observations on Hanover town were these:

"I was agreeably disappointed when I entered the village where I now am. In approaching it, you pass through solitary groves and deep vallies; when all at once, on rising a hill, the town opens to view, exhibiting one of the most delightful prospects I have ever seen. The College, and other public buildings are elegant. The village contains many handsome houses, surrounding a spacious plain, which in summer, is always covered with verdure. The whole appearance is charming; and the inhabitants are noted for their hospitality, and polite attention to strangers.

"Travellers are well entertained at the public houses here, as indeed they are all the way from Boston. Notwithstanding which, there are some to be found, who call themselves gentlefolks, who, to show their good breeding, affect too much delicacy to relish country cooking and carry their disgust so far, as to throw their tea and toast out at the window! I hope such ladies do not come from Boston. But I must defer the rest, till after Commencement.

"Adieu. "SOPHRONIA BELLMONT." "Miss Caroline Courtland."